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One Hand Clapping (1974)
Must-see for any and all Macca fans
As the lights dimmed in the theater, today's Paul McCartney coms on the screen to welcome his fans who are in the theater, and introduces the documentary and reminds us that 3 of the 5 band mates of Wings are no longer with us (Linda, Denny and Jimmy). As "One Hand Clapping" (filmed in 1974; 67 min.) opens, Paul licks the band into "Jet" and we are off...
Couple of comments: these live studio sessions were recorded in August and October, 1974, after the massive success of Band On the Run, but before the release of Venus and Mars in 1975. All the songs included here go up to and including Band On the Run. The sessions seem fun, and the band. With two 2 members (Jimmy and Geoff) sound great. Alas, the video quality of the documentary is pretty rough, to be honest. Still, there is much to enjoy, including stirring renditions of Live and Let Die (with orchestra) and Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five (the initial half is just Paul on piano, joined midway by the rest of the band and the orchestra). The big surprise comes after the closing credits, when today's Paul reappears to introduce "The Backyard", a short (10 min.) solo acoustic set in which Paul rips through 5 songs. If you have CD released some months ago, the documentary covers all of CD1 (the CD does not include "the Backyard" acoustic set, unfortunately).
"One Hand Clapping" opened this weekend in select theaters. The afternoon screening where I saw this today in a fairly small auditorium here in Cincinnati was filled to the rafters. As a lifelong Macca fan, I couldn't wait to see this. It's a nice little addition to the McCartney catalog. If you are a Macca fan, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Stopping the Steal (2024)
Chilling and horrifying, and a very timely reminder
As "Stopping the Steal" (2024 release; 90 min) opens, we are in Arizona, a key swing state in the 2020 presidential election, and the Maricopa Board of Supervisors, controlled by Republicans, are facing increased pressure to declare Trump the winner, even though he lost. At this point we are 10 minutes into the documentary.
Couple of comments: most critical in this documentary is that it is entirely seen and assessed from the Republicans' perspective. Not a single Democrat or independent voice is heard. Indeed, the remarkable thing is that the open and blatant attempt by Trump and his crew to throw out the will of the voters is thwarted primarily by... elected Republicans. We hear them time and again lamenting "we're simply doing our job". The documentary captures all the classis moments from election day to January 6, and to see it laid out so clearly is both chilling and horrifying. Of course we all know that Trump never has been, or is, or will be, a Republican. He simply hijacked the GOP for his own purposes and interests, and the GOP just let him do it. The timing of this documentary, released less than 2 months before the 2024 presidential election, is no coincidence of course. Already we see Trump cast doubt, every single day, that the election is "rigged". The fact that there is no evidence of that is of course nothing but a minor inconvenience, just like in 2020. It remains to be seen if our Republic can survive another open and blatant attempt to overthrow the will of the people...
"Stopping the Steal" started streaming on Max 10 days ago, and I finally found the time to watch it the other night. If you have any interest in politics, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
I Saw the TV Glow (2024)
Interesting, if flawed, experiment
As "I Saw the TV Glow" (2024 release; 100 min.) opens, it is "1996" and we are introduced to Owen, a young Black boy watching a young adult. TV show called The Pink Opaque. Then one day, Owen notices a girl in school (we learn her name is Maddy) reading the Episode Guide to The Pink Opaque... At this point we are less then 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is billed as a "psychological horror drama" but to be honest there wasn't much horror or drama. Instead it seems to be a riff on 1990's TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I was transfixed for theist half hour of the movie as I literally did not know which direction the movie would be going,, and I'm not sure that the movie makers truly knew either. I will admit that the ending felt flat to me. There are a number of great performances, including Ian Foreman ("Let the Right One In") as the young Owen in the first 20 minutes of the movie. Interestingly, the movie was produced by Emma Stone's production company.
"I Saw the TV Glow" premiered at this year's Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim, and the movie worked up a nice buzz leading to its theatrical release in May. I fully intended to see it in the theater but missed it. Thankfully it is now playing on HBO and streaming on Max, where I caught it last night. "I Saw the TV Glow" is currently rated a generous 84% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you are in the mood for something different in the "psychological horror drama" subgenre, I'd readily suggest you check it out and draw your own conclusion.
Drive-Away Dolls (2024)
Surprisingly bland and predictable
As "Drive-Away Dolls" (2024 release; 86 min) opens, it is "Philadelphia 1999" and we witness a guy at a bar being robbed of his briefcase (what is in it?). We then get to know Jamie and Marian, two lesbian roommates in dire need of money. They sign up to drive someone's car to Tallahassee. Unbeknown to them, the car contains a secret stash... At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the first fiction movie that. Ethan Cohen has written and directed without his brother Joel Cohen. Here Ethan brings the fictitious story of how two young ladies end up in all kinds of trouble, while along the way they find out more about themselves. It should be classic Cohen. Instead it is quite bland and, worse, entire predictable. Thanks goodness that the lead performances from Margaret Qualley (as Jamie) and Geraldine Viswanathan (as Miriam) are quite good and the only reason why I kept watching this to the very end. But in the end even they cannot save this movie.
"Drive-Away Dolls" had a short US theatrical release earlier this year, and hardly made any impact (critical or commercial). It is now airing on Amazon Prime, where I caught it the other night. If you are a fan of the Cohen films, even if only one of them is involved, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Bring Him to Me (2023)
Film noir B movie feeling all the way
As "Bring Him To Me" (2023 release from Australia; 96 min) opens, a driver is ordered to pick up a guy and bring him to crime boss of some sort. In a parallel story, we see the same driver as the getaway driver in a art heist gone bad... At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this movie has a film noir B movie feeling from start to finish, and I don't mean that as a negative. The story line is quite of less importance that the sense of danger that seems to lurk around the corner at any given time. A good chunk of the movie plays out literally in the car itself as we watch the driver and the passenger interact. I will admit I didn't recognize any of these actors (or for that matter the production team including the director). At just over 90 min. This flew by pretty quickly.
I don't know if "Bring Him To Me" had a US theatrical release (I doubt it to be honest). In any event, it is now streaming on Hulu. Where I caught last night. I knew nothing about this movie and simply took a chance on it. It's okay. Not great, not bad, but okay. If you are in the mood for a film noir B movie type, I'd readily suggest you check it out and draw your own conclusion.
Back to Black (2024)
"Back to Black" vs. "Amy": and the winner is...
As "Back to Black" (2024 release from the UK; 124 min.) opens, teenager Amy is hanging out with her grandma and her dad, and they end up singing some songs. In ger bedroom, Amy is strumming a new song (that would become "What Is It About Men"), and she is seen at an early gig at the Dublin Caste bar in London. At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from British director Sam Taylor-Johnson ("Nowhere Boy"). The filmmakers had the full blessing of the Winehouse estate, and its effect cannot be underestimated. What we get is a version where there are no villains, and certainly not Amy's dad and Amy's boyfriend/husband. It's unfortunate because the lead performances are startlingly good, in particular Marisa Abela as Amy, but also Jack O'Connell as Blake. Just a darn shame the script wasn't stronger and more authentic. You may recall that in 2015, there was an astonishing documentary simply called "Amy", directed by Asif Kapadia. Interestingly enough, Kapadia was given unfettered access to any and all video and audio by the Winehouse estate. Let's just say that they didn't liked the final product (Kapadia had insisted on having the final cut). This documentary is just devastating on so many levels. It also went on to win numerous prizes, including the Oscar for Best Documentary. If you want the REAL story behind Amy Winehouse, there is no doubt that "Amy" is far better than "Back to Black".
"Back to Black" was released in US theaters in late May, and barely caused a ripple. It is now streaming on Peacock, where I caught it the other day. If you are a fan of Amy Winehouse, there is no real reason to see this, other than for the lead performances. As between "Back the Black" and "Amy", the latter is the winner by a mile or two (I rated it 9 stars here on IMDb).
Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal (2024)
Starts out slow, gets better later on
As Episode 1 of "Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal" (2024 release; 3 episodes ranging from 49 to 52 min) opens, we are introduced to various talking heads, either from within the company, or clients of the company. We then go back in time to the very humble beginnings of the Ashley Madison concept: a dating services for married people seeking other married people. Discreetly of course... At this time we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: let me state upfront that I was unfamiliar with the entire story. Episode 1 is the weakest of the three. Episode 2 picks up when the infamous data breach occurs (in July, 2015), and we then witness the fallout as millions of user names including contact details are made public. To absolutely on-one's surprise, it contains "shocking" revelations, in particular people claiming to be religious in one way or another. I am shocked I tells ya, SHOCKED! Episode 3 then delves further into the business practices of Ashely Madison. Given that this last just over 2 hours, I'm not sure why it was cut up into 3 episodes, but it all went by rather quickly. It's one of those things that, if this were a fictional story, you'd be laughed out of the room. But this was anything but fictional.
"Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal" was released a few months ago on Netflix. I just stumbled on it the other day and watched the 3 episodes in a single setting. If you are in the mood for a quick docu-series about the rise and fall of a dating website for married people, and the fallout of someone exposing all the names of the website's users, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
The Killer (2024)
4 stars if you've seen the original, 6 stars if you haven't
As "The Killer" (2024 release from France; 125 min) opens, we are introduces to a woman contract killer in Paris. Her latest job is to take out an entire gang. While doing so, she accidentally blinds a singer. In a parallel story line, we are introduced to two guys from the French national police force, as they are investigating a drug deal gone bad... At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this film, directed by John Woo, is a remake of his own 1989 classic also called "The Killer" (which was set in Hong Kong). This remake has been talked about for DECADES, and was intended to be set in Los Angeles. No idea why it ended up being shot in Paris instead. But far worse is that, if the 1989 original was like a Category 5 hurricane, the 2024 remake turns out to be a late evening summer breeze. The remake misses the intensity and purpose, and dare I say the soul, of the 1989 original. It really makes you wonder what the point of this remake is. Let me give you the answer: there is no point. As for the cast, the only one that is any good is Eric Cantona, yes the ex-ManUnited soccer star who upon retiring from soccer in 1997 built a second career in acting. Here he plays a baddie (of course!) and Cantona seems to be enjoying himself quite a lot.
"The Killer" remake bypassed US tehaters altogether and started streaming on Peacock a few days ago. Even though this 2024 is nowhere near as good as the 1989 original, I did watch it all the way through. It's not that the 2024 remake is bad per se, but it does suffer when compared to the 1989 original. If you are a fan of John Woo, regardless whether or not you've seen the 1989 original, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.
Brian Eno: 1971-1977 - The Man Who Fell to Earth (2011)
Well researched and constructed from start to finish
As "Brian Eno: The man Who Fell to Earth 1971-1977" (2011 release; 157 min.) opens, We are immediately dropped into the founding of Roxy Music, of which Eno was an important member. The music of "Rock-See" reflected the ban's image and art-school background. Eno famously called himself a "non-musician". We then go back in to to Eno's upbringing and which artists influenced him. At this point we are 10 minutes into the documentary.
Couple of comments: If you admire Eno's status as a record producer more than as an actual musician (like I do), this is documentary may give you second thoughts on that. Even though he called himself a "non-musician", he in fact was very much a musician (although he didn't much like going on tour). This documentary is in essence built on conversations with 4-5 talking heads who are Eno experts. I cannot evaluate how much on target they are, or not, but they certainly seem believable. A nice bonus is also the use of surprisingly ample archive footage from those days. It's not entirely clear to me why this documentary stops with the "Before & After Science" album, released in late 1977, and just before perhaps Eno's best known album, 1978's "Music For Films". Please don't be put off by the documentary's running time, well over 2 1/2 hours. It all passes by amazingly quickly. Now that I have seen this, I am going to check out the newest documentary on Brian Eno, 2024's "Eno", which has gotten stellar reviews.
I stumbled onto this documentary while browsing Amazon Prime to watch something, and based on my viewing habits, Prime suggested this. Thank you! Whether you are a big fan of Brian Eno, or simply interested in watching an interesting story on an interesting figure in the music world, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Perfect Days (2023)
Finding beauty and calm in the ordinary
As "Perfect Days" (2023 release from Japan; 124 min) opens, we are introduced to a guy named Hirayama. He is getting ready for another day at work, cleaning toilets in various public spaces around Tokyo. His more junior colleague Takashi is late again for his shift. Takashi's disdain for his work is palpable. At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the latest "work" (don't call it just a movie) from German writer-producer-director Wim Wenders. Here he observes an ordinary guy doing ordinary things in an ordinary routine seemingly every day. There is barely any dialogue in the first hour of the movie. Gradually some things change but nothing earth-shattering. Koji Yakusho is outstanding in the lead role. Another important character in the movie is Tokyo itself. I cannot recall ever having seen Tokyo depicted like this, and frankly it makes me wat to visit Tokyo (on my bucket list). The film is shot in a 4:3 screen ratio, perhaps to reflect the old school cassette tapes that Hirayama possesses (the movie's tile is a reference to the Lou Reed song Perfect Day). I was kind of expecting to hear the Beatles' A Day In the Life to show up at some point (it didn't).
"Perfect Days" premiered at last Year's Cannes film festival to immediate critical acclaim (and winning several prizes there). The movie is rated 96% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and for good reason (even if a tad overly generous). It is also the first Japanese movie not directed by a Japanese director to be nominated for an Oscar. The movie had a brief US theatrical release in early 2024 but I did not get a chance to see it then. Thankfully this is now streaming on Hulu, where I caught it the other night. If you are in the mood for a top notch foreign release that finds beauty and calm in the ordinary, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.
Alien: Romulus (2024)
More isn't the same as better
As "Alien: Romulus" (2024 release; 119 min) opens, we are on "Jackson Star's Mining Planet, 65 LY From Earth", and we are introduced to a young woman named Rain. Rain finds out that the owners of the mine have unilaterally extended her contract for another 12,000 days. Rain and a small group of friends are desperate for a way out, any way out... At this point we are less than 10 min into the movie.
Couple of comments: this latest entry in the Alien franchise of movies is directed by Uruguayan director Fede Alvarez ("Don't Breathe", "The Girl In the Spider's Web"). Arriving exactly 45 years after the first "Alien", one wonders if any angle remains open to bring new life to this franchise. Without spoiling any of the movie' s plot, I think that I can say that the difference between 1979 and 2024 is that today's technology makes it so much easier to have not 1 (as in the original "Alien"), not 2, not 3, but countless "monsters" on the screen. But all it does for me is to wonder whether "more" is "better", and we all know the answer to that. There isn't a single scene in this movie that will terrify you like some scenes of the original "Alien" did. That doesn't mean there aren't some good points to this movie. In particular the last half hour is non-stop action.
"Alien: Romulus" opened this past weekend in US theaters, and did OK at the box office. What really surprised me is that this is currently rated 81% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. That is what ultimately convinced me to check this out. The early evening Discount Tuesday XD screening at Cinemark Oakley here in Cincinnati was not attended well: roughly 10-12 people. All that aside, if you are a fan of the early Alien movies, I'd readily suggest you check this out, with lowered expectations, and draw your own conclusion.
Rhythm Masters: A Mickey Hart Experience (2024)
Where sports meets music, rhythms are born
As "Rhythm Masters: A Mickey Hart Experience" (2024 release; 59 min.) opens, it is "October 23, 2023" and (Grateful) Dead drummer Mickey Hart is on the phone with NBA legend Bill Walton, himself the biggest Deadhead there ever was. "Music is a necessity" observes Hart, eager to explore the connection between sports and music: the rhythm. At this point we are 5 minutes into this documentary.
Couple of comments: this is directed by Torey Champagne ("Bettor Days"), but let's be clear: this is a Mickey Hart project and product from start to finish. Hart's observations on where and how sports and music are parallel may not always be on point, but for me the critical aspect of this are (i) the visuals, and (ii) the original score, composed and performed by Mickey Hart himself of course. (After seeing this, I immediately tried to chase down where to get the soundtrack, and I have not found it.)
"Rhythm Masters: A Mickey Hart Experience" premiered on ESPN last week and is now streaming on ESPN+. I didn't know hoe ESPN was planning to air this, but I am happy to report that it was broadcast without any commercial interruption. If you are a Deadhead and you like sports, you cannot go wrong with this documentary (I might even suggest that even if you are not a Deadhead, it's worth checking out.)
Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam (2024)
Lou Perlman's rise and fall; NOT a boys band documentary
As Episode 1 of "Dirty Pop" (2024 release; 3 episodes ranging from 41 to 44 min.) opens, it is the early 90s and Lou Pearlman, inspired by the success of 80s boys band New Kids on the Block, decides to launch a bonus band himself, and recruits what came to be known as the Backstreet Boys. In 1993 they launch their first US tour of high schools as complete unknowns... At this point, we are less than 10 minutes into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from director David Terry Fine ("Legends Never Die: The Sandlot Story"). Here he examines the life and times of Lou Perlman, best know for two things: (a) he launched some of the best boys bands ever (Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync, O-Town), and (2) he turned out to be a con man of the highest order, embezzling hundreds of millions of dollars. This documentary focuses on the latter, more than on the former. So if you think you will get the ultimate insight scoop on the careers of these boys bands, you will surely be disappointed with this documentary. If on the other hand you want to understand how someone is able to embezzle millions upon millions in a massive Ponzi that went on for years and years, you will be enlightened by this documentary, PLEASE NOTE: this documentary is not titled "Dirty Pop: The Band Scam", as listed here on IMDb and other sources. It is simply titled "Dirty Pop", per the documentary's opening credits.
"Dirty Pop" started airing on Netflix in late July, and I just watched all 3 episodes in a single setting the other night. No idea why this is presented in 3 episodes, rather than a 2 hr. Movie, but whatever. Long story short, if you are interested in the rise and fall of Lou Pearlman (as opposed to getting the ins and outs of the boys band craze), I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.
The Instigators (2024)
Underwhelming and uninspired all around
As "The Instigators" (2024 release; 101 min.) opens, we are introduced to Rory, a Marine veteran in session with his shrink. In a parallel story, we are also introduced to Cobby, hanging out in his neighborhood bar. Rory and Cobby are recruited to participate in a risky heist involving lots of cash intended for Boston's incumbent crooked Mayor... At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from veteran director Doug Liman ("The Borne Identity"). More importantly, it is executive produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Damon also stars, along with Casey Affleck. Who co-wrote the script. So it's basically "all in the family", and based on the trailer, i had reasonable expectations for this. Alas, I am sorry to report that this movie underwhelmed from the get-go, and is a strictly "by the numbers" movie. Most of all it felt like an uninspired, even lazy movie. The story line makes no sense. The dialogue is sub par. The action scenes often no thrills. I felt like abandoning it several times, only to convince myself to give it a few more minutes.
"The Instigators" has a limited on-week theater release and then started airing on Apple TV a few days ago. The movie is currently rated 42% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and even that low score feels too generous to me. Of course don't take my word for it, so please check it out and draw your own conclusion.
Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes (2024)
Behind the scenes insights on Elizabeth Taylor by Elizabeth Taylor
As "Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes" (2024 releas4e; 101 min.) opens, we are told that Taylor did extensive audio interviews with a reporter starting in 1964 and that these tapes were finally unearthed. We then go to "1942" as we are reminded of Taylor's upbringing in Beverly Hills, and how she became a child star actress. At this point we are 10 minutes into the documetnary.
Couple of comments: this is the latest biopic documentary from director Nanette Burstein ("Hillary"). Here she revisits the life and times of one of Hollywood's greatest stars ever, Elizabeth Taylor, at one point the highest-paid star in Hollywood. While there are some other talking heads, it is mostly Taylor herself reflecting on her life and career, how marriages came and fell apart, and again and again ("I was infatuated with love", comments Taylor. The video footage including many of Taylor's private stash of 8mm film and polaroid photos, in particular to full color footage) reminds us that this indeed was a very different era. One thing that I kept thinking is that they don't make movie starts like that anymore. Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing, I will leave that in the middle.
"Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes" premiered at this year's Cannes film festival to good critical acclaim. The movie is currently rate 80% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Last weekend it started airing on HNBO and streaming on Max, where I caught it last night. Whether you are of a certain age and is reminded of Hollywood of a certain age, or you are a younger person not necessarily all that familiar with Elizabeth Taylor, I think this documentary serves young(er) and old(er) alike quite well. I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.
Faye (2024)
Faye Dunaway, from the horse's mouth
As "Fay (2024 release; 91 min.) opens, it is "March 28, 1977" and Fay Dunaway wins the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in "Network". We see the iconic picture taken the morning after as Faye lays poolside with newspapers spread out and laying about (perhaps the most famous Oscar photo ever taken). Various talking heads gush about Faye's most famous performances. We then go back in time as Faye talks about her upbringing in the deep South... At this point we are less tahn 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary from director Lauren Bouzereau ("Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind"). Here, with a big assist from Fay's son Liam, he manages to have extended one-on-one sit-downs with Faye as she reflects on her life and times. She openly discusses her "difficult" reputation, but also her bipolar disorder diagnosis. I was most interested in hearing what became of this famous actress once she was no longer so much in the limelight (from the late 1980's on). Please note that this documentary is simply called "Faye" (as seen in the opening credits), and not "Faye: The Many Lives of Faye Dunaway" (as advertised on HBO and Max).
"Faye" premiered at this year's Canned film festival to positive acclaim. A couple of weeks ago it started airing on HBO and streaming on Max, where I caught it just last night. This documentary is currently rated 100% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. While "Faye" is certainly a worthwhile documentary, that rating seems a bit overly generous to me. In any event, if you are a fan of Faye Dunaway or of Hollywood in the 1970s, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.
Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose (2024)
There are only losers in this decades-long standoff
As Episode 1 of "Charlie Hustle & The Matter of Pete Rose" (2024 release; 4 episodes of 56-58 min each) opens, it is "January 20, 2022, AFC Championship Game" and the Cincinnati Bengals come back from 18 point down and beat KC. Comments Rose: "Joe Burrow is like Pete Rose. He never gives up." Later on, it is "February 13, 2022, Super Bowl LVI". Comments Pete: "I love Cincinnati, but I bet on Los Angeles." We then go back in time to Pete's upbringing in Cincinnati... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: let me state upfront that I have lived in Cincinnati since 1987, and hence missed out on the Big Red Machine, but I did live through the entire betting scandal days, and beyond. We need to separate 2 things: (1) Is this a good documentary? To which I can state unequivocally "yes". The mini-series is a nice mix of Rose's baseball history and baseball's evolution over this years, as well of course a look at the fallout of baseball's continued ban of Rose. (2) Should Pete Rose remained banned, now 35 years later? The bottom line for me is that there are no winners, and only losers, in this decades long standoff. Rose of course brought this onto himself, first by betting on baseball, and then by lying again, and again, and again, about it for far too long. However, with each passing year, Major League Baseball looks from bad to worse, almost vindictively continuing to punish Pete Rose, one of baseball's greatest players ever, while we endure never-ending ads and commercials from FanDuel (the official GAMBLING partner of MLB), DraftKings, BetMGM, Hard Rock, and on and on. It is literally EVERYWHERE, certainly also here in Ohio, where sports gambling is legal and flourishing. And last but not least, we the fans are also the losers, depriving us of the opportunity to celebrate one of baseball's greatest players ever. Pete Rose is now an 83 year old man. He is the all-time MLB leader in hits (4,256), games played (3,562), at-bats (14,053), singles (3,215) and outs (10,328), but still not in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Wow. What is MLB afraid of? That Rose might place a bet on the Cincinnati Reds?
"Charlie Hustle & The Matter of Pete Rose" started airing on HBO just recently, and it's also streaming on Max, where I caught this the other day. It is currently rated 100% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which is overly generous for sure. That said, it is without a good documentary mini-series. If you are a fan of baseball, or of Tete Rose, I'd readily suggest you check it out, and draw your own conclusion.
Wicked Little Letters (2023)
Refreshing and vibrant little film from England
As "Wicked Little Fingers" (2023 release from the UK; 100 min.) opens, the opening screen reminds us that "This is more true than you think". We are then introduced to Edith, who lives in a seaside town in southern England, and Edith is opening "the 19th letter", another letter full of insults and profanities, much to the disgust of Edith and her elderly parents, Edith's dad decides to file a complaint at the local police office... At this point, we are less than 10 minutes into the movie.
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Couple of comments: this is the latest from British director Thea Sharrock ("Me Before You"). Here she brings the novel of the dame name to the screen. The true story, set in the early 20th century, is very England-centric, both is style and substance. The story is plot-heavy so the less said about that, the better. The movie benefits significantly from the strong lead performances: Olivia Colman (as Edith) and Jesse Buckley (as Rose), but let's also mention Anjana Vasan, playing a female cop back in the days when that was quite uncommon (and suffering accordingly from sexism and racism).
"Wicked Little Letters" premiered at last year's Toronto International Film Festival to immediate critical acclaim. It currently is rated 80% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie played in US theaters in the Spring, and it started streaming on Netflix just this weekend, where I caught it. If you are in the movie for a refreshing and vibrant little film from early 20th century England or you are simply a fan of Olivia Colman, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Wild Things (1998)
First time seeing this again in a quarter century
As "Wild Things" (1998 release; 108 min.) opens, we are somewhere in South Florida. Sam Lombardo works at a private HS with the seniors, and he is introducing a local cop, Sargent Ray Duquette, who will explain to the unruly bunch what sex crimes consist of. Among the bunch is Kelly, who has a crush on Sam. At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the first time I saw it again since it came out a quarter century ago. I frankly had forgotten much of the plot, at least in the initial third of the movie. Once the "Big Reveal" came, it clicked in my head and the rest of the movie is utterly predictable. This is built as an "erotic thriller". I hope you are not expecting a lot of "erotism" because there is frankly very little of that (and the little there is, is not "erotic" at all). Two amazing things: first, the cast: Matt Dillon, Denise Richards, Neve Campbell, Theresa Russell, Robert Wagener, Bill Murray. Are you kidding me? This cast is STACKED. And they all loos so insanely young (Dillon, Richards, Campbell) or younger (Russell, Murray, Wagner). And second: the soundtrack, straight out of the 90s with Third Eye Blind, Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, K's Choice, and on and on. Bottom line: seeing this movie again after all these years, there is a reason why I never bothered (until now, when the New York Times had a blurb about it the other day): this movie is ok but just ok, and it feels the sum of the parts doesn't measure up to the total of the movie.
The New York Times had a blurb about it in last Sunday's Arts section that it would be disappearing from Netflix soon. So I decided to check it out right away. At best this movie is a guilty pleasure. But a cult classic? Certainly not in my book. Of course you don't need to take my word for it, so please check out "Wild Things" (or check it out again, like I did, after a quarter century), and draw your own conclusion.
The Black Widower: The Six Wives of Thomas Randolph (2024)
Not the greatest of true crime docu-series
As Episode 1 of "The Black Widower: The Six Wives of Thomas Randolph" (2024 release; 3 episodes of 42 min. Each) opens, we are in "2005 Las Vegas", and Thomas Randolph is telling his story. "I met Susan, her husband had passed." They meet via a dating website, and before you know it, they are married... At this point we are less than 10 minutes into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: as the title of this mini-series indicates, Thomas Randolph ends up having been married 6 times, and this mini-series gives the full story of each of them, while also digging into the background of Thomas Randolph himself. Of course this is plot-heavy so I certainly am not going to spoil anything.. I will say that I was underwhelmed with the overall production value of this mini-series. It is bare-bones and just not done very well. I will readily admit that I ended up watching all 3 episodes because I knew that there were only 3 episodes. Frankly, I'm not sure why this was cut up in 3 episodes, when it simply could've been a 2 hr. Documentary.
"The Black Widower: The Six Wives of Thomas Randolph" recently starting streaming on Max, where I caught it the other night. I'm frankly surprised that it is streaming on Max, as this feels below the usual standard of documentaries airing in HBO and streaming on Max. Of course don't take my word for it, so if you like true crime documentaries, please check it out and draw your own conclusion.
The Salt of the Earth (2014)
A most extraordinary documentary on many levels
As "The Salt of the Earth" (2014 release; 110 min.) opens, we look at an extraordinary B&W photo of a massive salt mine in Brazil that director Wim Wenders stumbled on. Wenders notices on the back that the picture was taken by a guy named Sebastião Salgado and Wenders decides right then and there to find out more about this guy...
Couple of comments: this is co-directed by Wim Wenders and Sebastião Salgado's son Juliano, tracing the life and times of photographer Sebastião Salgado whom I readily admit I was not familiar with. He traveled the world wide and far, and took endless pictures (always B&W). Frankly there are no words to convey the power of these pictures. There is a segment in the film about Salgado's time in the Sahel (1984-1986), when thousands were dying of famine and illness, a human catastrophe of immense proportions. Salgado's pictures are almost too much to bear, to be honest. You look at those pictures, and then you see the pettiness (and worse) of so much that is going on in the world, it just leaves you shaking your head in disbelief and disgust.
"The Salt of the Earth" premiered at the 2014 Cannes film festival, where it promptly won one of the top prizes. It has received universal acclaim. Now 10 years later, the movie is still rated 95% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and for good reason. I see a lot of documentaries, and this one is most extraordinary on many levels. It is currently streaming on Hulu, where I caught it just the other night. If you like documentaries, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Abducted in Plain Sight (2017)
Once again facts are stranger than fiction
As "Abducted In Plain Sight" (2017 release; 91 min.) opens, we are introduced to Jan Broberg, the oldest of 3 young daughters in the Broberg family in Idaho. A neighbor, a guy nicknamed "B", took Jan, then 12 years old out for horseback riding in October, 1974, and the vanished... At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the documentary.
Couple of comments: this was directed by Skye Borgman, when later directed "Girl In the Picture". Here she focuses on the disappearance of a young girl, kidnapped by a neighbor. Where were the parents? And other neighbors? I was completely unfamiliar with these events, and this documentary shows yet again that facts are stranger than fiction. If this were a made-up story, it would be entirely unbelievable. But it is not fictional. The film makers interview most of the people that were directly involved in these events.
"Abducted In Plain Sight" was released in 2017 but I was unfamiliar with it, until I read a blurb on it in the New York Times about good film that would soon disappear from Netflix. I immediately searched it it, and I can only agree with the NYT's assessment of this. (It is currently rated 75% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes). If you are a fan of true crime documentaries, I'd readily suggest you check it out and draw your own conclusion.
Power of the Dream (2024)
WNBA players use their platform to maximum effect
As "Power of the Dream" (2024 release; 94 min.) opens, it is "August 27,2020" and the WNBA players refuse to play after Jacob Blake, yet another young Black male, is shot in the back by a white police officer. The documentary then goes back to the early days when the league was started in 1996. At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the documentary.
Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary directed by Dawn Porter ("John Lewis: Good Trouble"). It is co-produced by several WNBA players, including Sue Bird. Here Porter looks back at the tumultuous year that was 2020, when the world as we knew stopped (due to COVID 19) and the police brutality on Blacks reached levels unimaginable, while at the same time a presidential and congressional elections were unfolding also in ways unimaginable. In the midst of it all, the players of the WNBA decide to use their platform to tell the world what they thought of it all. The most interesting aspect of it all is the Kelly Loeffler, majority owner of the Atlanta Dream and gifted a seat in the US Senate, decides to go all in on Trump and MAGA, to fight off the upstart campaign for that all-important US Senate seat by Rafael Warnock, a Black pastor. Let's just say this right here and now: "Power Of the Dream" is NOT a sports documentary. It is a political documentary about how WNBA players (of which most of them are Black) use their platform to broadcast their political views. As such this makes for a powerful documentary. It also is a stark reminder why insanely shocking the year 2020 turned out to be in so many ways.
"Power of the Dream" premiered at this year's Tribeca Film Festival to immediate critical acclaim. It started streaming on Amazon Prime a few weeks ago. The documentary is currently rated 100% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which feels a bit too generous to me. That said, if you are in the mood for a political documentary about the tumultuous year that was 2020, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Memory (2023)
Strong lead performances make this worthwhile
As "Memory" (2023 release; 103 min.) opens, we are introduced to Sylvia, a single mom attending an AA meeting along with her teenage daughter. Sylvia is a social worker at a daycare facility. Then one day., she attends a high school reunion with her younger sister. A man approaches her. Sylvia leaves and goes back home. Only that man follows her all the way... At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from Mexican writer-producer-editor-director Michel Franco "After Lucia"). Here he brings a story of a chance encounter between two people, one of which is struggling with early onset dementia. The movie is plot heavy so the less said on the the better. But the movie is also heavy, emotionally and otherwise. The movie benefits enormously from the two lead performances: Jessica Chastain as Sylvia, and Peter Sarsgaard as Saul. The movie is set entirely in New York City, and is indeed New York heavy.
"Memory" premiered at last Fall's Venice Film Festival to immediate acclaim. It is currently rated 95% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which feels a little generous. The movie had a brief theatrical run and now is streaming in Max, where I caught it the other night. If you are in the mood for a heavy duty family drama or simply a fan of Jessica Chastain, I'd readily suggest you check it out and draw your own conclusion.
Kinds of Kindness (2024)
The latest off-kilter film by Yorgos Lanthimos
As "Kind of Kindness" (2024 release; 164 min.) opens, we are informed of "The Death of R. M. F." We get to know Robert, who is under the thumb of Raymond. Raymond orders Robert to crash his SUB on purpose into the car of a guy named R. M. F. At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from Greek writer-producer-director Yorgos Lanthimos. Lanthimos has a knack for the off-kilter (see: "The Lobster", "The Favourite" "Poor Things"). Here he pushed the envelope even further, bringing 3 separate stories that are (very( loosely connect through the character of R. M. F.: "The Death of R. M. F", "R. M. F. Is Flying" and "R. M. F. Eats a Sandwich". The stories are plot-heavy so the less said, the better. Just watch! All three stories are played by the same performers (but in different roles of each of the stories): Lanthimos regular Emma Stone is once again outstanding, but Jesse Plemons, Willem Defoe and Margaret Quailey are equally up to the task. If you wonder about the movie's long running time, all I can say is that this movie just flew by.
The production budget for "Kinds of Kindness" was a mere $15 million, a pittance in today's Hollywood. Yet Lanthimos has done it again. A master story teller of the off-cent and off-kilter, pure and simple. The movie premiered at this year's Cannes Film Festival to great acclaim, and it is now showing in US theaters. The matinee showing where I saw this at on Independence Day here in Cincinnati was attended so-so (about 10 people). If you are a fan of Yorgos Lanthimos' prior work, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.